Bill Besselman leaves Under Armour, joins Thread

By

Dani Greene

Published
Aug 4, 2016

Bill Besselman has left his role as VP of connected fitness strategy and integration at Under Armour to join Thread as Executive VP to help meet the increasing demand for Thread products.

 
Thread is known for creating yarn, fabric, and t-shirts by re-imagining waste. The company helps clean streets, neighborhoods, and waterways and hires employees from low-income countries worldwide.
 
“The greatest brands are those that find a way to deliver emotional value above and beyond great product and do it within a large commercial market,” said Besselman. “By working with the world’s best brands to make the most connected apparel and footwear in history, we’re transforming an industry to truly connect people with the products they wear.” 

At Under Armour, Besselman oversaw the digital strategy development, and facilitated the purchase and integration of MapMyFitness, MyFitness Pal, and Endomondo at Under Armour. Prior to that, Besselman also worked at McKinsey & Co.
 
Pittsburgh-based Thread was established by Ian Rosenberger in 2010 in the wake of the earthquakes in Haiti with the intention to convert waste into jobs. Thread yarn products provide job opportunities to people in low-income countries. This June, Thread announced a partnership with outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland on a collection of footwear and bags, anticipated to debut in spring of 2017.